What is nadolol, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
Nadolol is a member of a class of
drugs called beta-adrenergic receptor blockers that is used for treating high
blood pressure and heart pain (angina).
Examples of other beta-adrenergic blockers include
propanolol
(Inderal, Inderal LA),
atenolol (Tenormin), and
timolol
(Blocadren). Norepinephrine and epinephrine (adrenaline) are chemicals released
within the body that attach to receptors on several types of cells, including
nerves and some muscles, and changes the way the cells function, either
stimulating the cells or suppressing them. Nadolol prevents norepinephrine and
epinephrine from binding to beta receptors on nerves. By blocking the effect of
norepinephrine and epinephrine,
beta blockers
reduce heart rate, reduce the force of the heart’s contractions, and reduce
blood pressure by relaxing the muscles surrounding the blood vessels.
Heart pain (angina) occurs when the workload of the heart requires more
oxygen than the blood can supply. By slowing the heart rate and decreasing the
force of contractions of the heart, nadolol reduces the demand of the heart’s
muscle for oxygen and thereby prevents angina. Beta blockers may cause
difficulty breathing since they cause the muscles surrounding the air passages
of the lung to contract, thus narrowing the air passages and making it more
difficult for air to pass through . The FDA approved nadolol in 1979.
What brand names are available for nadolol?
Corgard
Is nadolol available as a generic drug?
Yes
Do I need a prescription for nadolol?
Yes
What are the side effects of nadolol?
Nadolol is generally well tolerated. Side
effects include abdominal cramps,
diarrhea,
constipation, fatigue,
insomnia,
nausea,
depression,
impotence,
lightheadedness,
slow heart rate,
low blood
pressure, cold extremities,
sore
throat, and
shortness
of breath or wheezing. Nadolol can increase breathing difficulties in
patients with
asthma,
chronic bronchitis, or
In patients with existing slow heart rates (bradycardias) and heart blocks
(defects in the electrical conduction of the heart), nadolol can cause
dangerously slow heart rates, and even
shock. Nadolol
reduces the force of heart muscle contraction and can increase symptoms of
heart failure.
In patients with coronary artery disease, abruptly stopping nadolol can suddenly
worsen angina and occasionally precipitate
heart attacks.
If it is necessary to discontinue nadolol, its dose should be reduced gradually
over several weeks.
What is the dosage for nadolol?
The recommended dose is 40-320 mg once daily. The
maximum dose for treating angina is 240 mg daily and for hypertension is 320 mg
daily. Nadolol may be administered with or without food. The dose for preventing
migraines is 40 to 240 mg daily.
Which drugs or supplements interact with nadolol?
The blood pressure-lowering effects of
nadolol are additive with other medications that lower blood pressure, and
combinations of these other medications with nadolol often is used for treating
persons with high blood pressure. When used in combination with
diltiazem
(Cardizem; Tiazac; Dilacor),
verapamil (Calan,
Isoptin, Verelan, Covera),
amiodarone
(Cordarone), or digoxin
(Lanoxin), however, nadolol can cause complete block of the heart’s electrical
system, a life-threatening condition.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as
ibuprofen
(Motrin, Advil) and
naproxen (Naprosyn, Anaprox, Aleve), can reduce the blood pressure lowering
effects of beta-blockers.
Nadolol can mask the early warning symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
and should be used with caution in patients receiving treatment for
diabetes.
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Is nadolol safe to take if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
Safe use of nadolol during
pregnancy has not
been established.
Nadolol is excreted into breast milk.
Nadolol should not be used while
breastfeeding because of the potential risk of adverse effects in the
nursing infant.
What else should I know about nadolol?
What preparations of nadolol are available?
Tablets: 20, 40, 80 mg.
How should I keep nadolol stored?
Nadolol should be stored at room temperature, 15 C
-30 C (59 F – 86 F).